Reviews and ratings reflect puzzledude’s personal opinion based on experience and/or knowledge of the items – as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
The best speed cube bundles available that include a collection of 2×2, 3×3, 4×4, 5×5, megaminx, pyraminx, and other varieties of speed cubes so that you can get all the flavors of a rubik’s cube for the best prices and get the best quality.
When deciding which speed cube bundle to get consider the following:
Variety
This depends on which type of bundle you’re looking for. Do you need one with a specific cube? Or are you looking to get the best variety for the price you pay? Puzzledude lists a variety of options to help you narrow it down.
Quality
This depends on whether you’re a casual or beginner cuber or an expert, as well as the price point you’re willing to pay. Puzzledude lists the best prices for different levels of quality to show you all the best options for speed cube bundles.
Price
Puzzledude lists the best prices for the value you’re getting
Hopefully this guide helps you pick the best speed cube bundle possible. Use it to find a gift for someone’s birthday or a different holiday, or treat yourself to set to round out your collection.
We’ve all been there looking through the best speed cube reviews. You learned to solve the 3×3 Rubik’s cube, and want to start solving it faster and after some research you learned Rubik’s brand cubes are terribly slow and stiff. If you have looked a bit into the speed cube market, you may be incredibly overwhelmed by the huge amount of options out there. Worry not, you’re going to learn what are your options are when it comes to the best speed cubes in 2017.
When looking for a speed cube, there are a couple of features and terms you are going to see mentioned. Here are the features that you want to consider when looking for the best 3×3 speed cube:
Corner Cutting is the cube’s ability to complete a rotation even when the layers are misaligned. This is very useful when trying to go fast because it means the cube will forgive inaccurate or sloppy turns and will adapt more easily. Most modern speed cubes can corner cut quite easily.
A speed cube doing an R move (Don’t know notation? Check this article here) with the U layer misaligned. This is corner cutting, in a good way. After applying some force, the piece will snap into place and will continue the turn smoothly. Modern cubes can corner cut almost anything.
An R’ turn with the layers misaligned, this is called reverse corner cutting. I’m doing this turn on a cheap dollar store cube, which can’t reverse corner cut at all, so it locked up. Modern speed cubes can do a decent amount of reverse corner cut.
Anti-Pop mechanism – Nowadays this is a non-issue, but older cubes had this problem, so you might stumble with that term while doing research. When doing certain moves, pieces will occasionally pop out completely, ruining solves. Any modern speed cube has a good anti-pop mechanism and the pieces would only come out unless you really try to force a turn.
Speed – One would think that you should just get the fastest cube out there. Well, for a beginner, sometimes a faster cube is not the best choice. Faster turns are harder to control, and you might overdo a turn and end up locking yourself in the middle of an algorithm, losing a bunch of time. I had so if you are new to speed cubing don’t try to go for a cube with lightning fast turns, maybe look for something smooth,
Feel – The feedback and sensations the cube gives when turning it. This is a very hard to describe feature, the feel is a completely subjective matter. You’ll just have to try out a bunch of cubes and decide what feel you like the most. Some cubes will give you a smooth feeling when turning, like pieces are just gliding, others will make turns with some scratchiness which to some people might be annoying. Personally I like the scratchy turns, but again, it’s just a matter of personal preference.
And those are pretty much the biggest features to look for when picking the best speed cube for you. There are other details like size, sticker colors… but those are completely subjective aspects of the cube and don’t make that much difference.
Aside from the features of a cube we talked about, once you get a speed cube you will want to know a bit about how to set it up. Although I think setting up a cube is not necessary for a beginner, it’s good to know the terms used and what “setting up a cube” means.
Lube – Although lubricating a cube is an important aspect of it and it can change a cube completely, I feel like a beginner doesn’t need to worry too much about it, and you can start really looking into lube once you had a much more definitive Idea of exactly how do you like your cube to feel. Check out our article on lubing your cube here.
Break in period – The concept behind “breaking in” a cube comes from the idea that cubes are made with imperfections, so breaking in a cube means the pieces start to sand themselves and adapt to themselves better. Some cube changes completely when broken in, some others not really much. For example my QiYi Thunderclap was super crunchy out of the box and now turns smoothly after I’ve used it a lot.
Tensioning – If you remove the centre cap of your speed cube, you can see a screw. Adjusting tensions means adjusting how tight the screw is attached to the core. The result you will get after increasing tension vastly varies between cubes, but usually a looser tension means your cube is more prone to pops, but faster and sometimes it can corner cut better. A tighter cube means it’s harder to pop and the cube is more stable, but usually you do lose on corner cutting. There is no right tension, only the one that feels right for you.
A closer look
Now onto the best speed cube reviews, with a handful of the highest regarded cubes that I’ve personally tested to build an opinion being as objective as possible.
MoYu Weilong GTS Review (4.5/5)
In a line: Give me the fastest cube
This cube came out just a little bit ago and it’s already being recommended everywhere. It’s really fast, it can corner cut amazingly well, and it feels smooth with a bit of a scratchy feel to it. The thing you have to take into account with this cube is it’s really fast. It makes it for a hard to control cube. Some people have slowed it down with some lube (Despite what you’ll think, lubricant can also be used to slow down a cube, it depends on the composition of the product used) so although the cube is great and is being recommended everywhere, beginners will probably have problems controlling this cube, so unless you have some experience with speed cubes or are willing to do some research on correctly lubricating the cube, I’ll avoid this one as a first.
Super fast cube
Can be hard to control depending on your skill (can be slowed with lube)
Highly recommend speed cube, one of the fastest out there
The feel of this cube is kind of a love/hate thing, it’s hard to describe but it has some unique scratchiness to it while keeping a smooth turning, the cube offers some resistance that makes for more controllable turns. In terms of corner cut, it performs great and can make turns with the layer pretty much anywhere. The cube out of the box is fast, but not as fast as the Weilong GTS.
The Gans 356 V2 Master Edition is the most expensive of the lot. It features a core design which uses no screws. This cube was one of the first to introduce the pieces design most modern cubes uses, with rounded centers and squared off corners which vastly improves the corner cutting. The cube is really fast, and while turning you don’t feel the pieces are sliding against each other. Make sure to get the v2, as the v1 has some problems with the center caps and some low quality stickers. Also, the Master edition V2, although a bit more expensive, comes with different spring sets so you can change them. This is pretty good because it lets you experience different configurations within the same cube, so in my opinion if you are willing to spend the extra money for a Gans, it’s worth to go the extra mile and go for the Master Edition. You can change the feel and speed of the cube however you like, so if you are not sure of what exactly you would like and are budget is not much of a concern to you, this cube is for you!
Expensive but versatile cube – in my opinion the best speed cube right now in 2016
Make sure to get the V2 or V2 master set that comes with extra springs
Very versatile and customizable with the master’s set springs
The Thunderclap (Also known as the MoFange Thunderbolt) is the best cheap cube out there. It doesn’t corner cut as well as the big guys but is pretty damn close for half the price. It’s fast and smooth, though mine was quite clicky out of the box, and got smoother after a few hundred solves. Aside from that, sometimes it can be a bit uncontrollable too, though I haven’t experienced any major lockups. It’s still my main cube – after my times improved a bunch and the cube was already broken in, I decided to lube and tension it properly and the cube really shined. So to get the most out of this cube, you will probably need to work a bit on it. Although I think out of the box it’s performance would be satisfying enough for a beginner.
Best budget speed cube – overall one of the best speed cube options either way
Great for beginners due to price and performance
Needs some setting up and breaking in to really shine
The TanLong is a bit slower than other cubes listed here, and the corner cut is definitely not among the best, although it still does a respectable amount, the thing the Tanlong has going for it is its amazing control out of the box, the best out there. The cube has a nice, smooth feeling, and you shouldn’t underestimate this cube due to it being a bit slower, because World Records have been set with this exact cube.
The Cong MeiYing is a very well regarded cube. It has a fast turning speed, corner cutting is above average, although it doesn’t reach the same amount of corner cutting other cubes like the Gans 356 or the Weilong GTS will achieve, you can definitely still hit amazing times with this cube, and you will rarely lock up while performing an algorithm. It’s the scratchiest cube I’ve ever tried, so definitely give it a shot if that’s your thing!
All in all, there are a lot of great speed cubes out there. The best speed cube for one person may not be the same for another. I always recommend trying out as many cubes as possible from your friends, family, at competitions, or wherever you can. That way you get a feel for different 3×3 speed cubes and you can find the best one for you. Upgrading from the original Rubik’s 3×3 cube to a top tier speed cube is a no brainer, so use this information to your benefit and get to cubing!
In this best speed cube lube reviews page I’ll go over some of the best cube lubes available and how to apply them to your cube. There are different viscosity (thickness) lubes available that you can use on your cube, specific cube lubes, and general use lubricants that can all be effective in making your cube feel how you want.
Cubes, whether 3×3, 4×4,2×2, megaminx, or whatever shape all are essentially plastic parts that rub against each other while you solve the twisty puzzle. Logically, these puzzle pieces have friction between them that depending on the tightness of the screws behind the center caps can make the cube feel looser or tighter and have more or less friction. What’s suggested is to use a thicker silicone lube on the interior of the cube where the springs, screws, and washers go so they stay lubricated for longer, and use a varied weight cube between the pieces depending on how fast you want your cube to be.
Best Speed Cube Lube Reviews
Before I go on to my guide on how to pick the best speed cube lubrication, let’s go over what’s available.
Maru Cube Lube Review
Maru lube is a good starting point for cube lube – it’s a fairly speedy lube that’s friendly on the plastics and lasts a fair while before needing re-lubing. I recommend a drop or two for a 2×2, 2-3 drops for 3×3, and you should be able to figure the rest out from there. This is a good lube to use for in between the pieces themselves, it’s a bit too light to use on the interior of the puzzle as it won’t last as long as a heavier weight lube and you’ll have to open it up again.
Traxxas diff oil is an RC car axle oil that can be used on cubes as well, as the axles are also made of ABS plastic. What’s great about using Traxxas oil on your cubes is the price, and the different weights available. They stock 10k, 30k, and 50k weights – 10k is the fastest lube, 30k a bit slower, and 50k is their heaviest weight. These are all exterior piece lubes although you could probably get away with using 50k weight on the internals of the cube. This is a great value cube lube that also gives you customization on the speed and feel you want for your cube.
Lubix has sort of attempted to buy their way onto the cubing lube scene by sponsoring some pros, and getting their name out there. Howver, for 20$ you get a whopping 2.5cc’s of lube which is a really small amount. People have compared the Lubix lube to Traxxas 30k or 50k differential oil where you get several times more for the same price. Lubix is undoubtedly a great lube, but it also comes with a high price tag. If you really like Lubix and don’t mind paying the price, go for it. Otherwise just get the Traxxas 30k or 50k and save your wallet – you’re basically getting the same thing. For a long time their lube has been touted as the best Rubik’s cube lube but I just don’t think it’s true anymore, especially at this price point.
The Cubicle offers the widest range of cube lube out there. Their line consists of “Cubicle Silicone Lube” with five weights, Weight 1 through Weight 5 which are used to service the internals of cubes depending on the lubrication you want. Next up they have three lubes for the exterior pieces in their standard, gummy, and speedy options. The titles are fairly descriptive, one is gummy, one is in the middle for speed, and one is “speedy” – super fast!
Their prices are really reasonable, you’re getting good value here. You’re also getting lube that’s made specifically for cubes, by cubers. You can’t go wrong with lube from The Cubicle. They also have a few bundles and packs put together so you can get an internal lube, and an exterior pieces lube all in one go. Or you can purchase kits of all of their lubes at once if you have a lot of cubes and want to try out their different weights. Arguably they make some of the best speed cube lube out there.
How to Pick the Best Speed Cube Lube
Picking the best cube lube shouldn’t be hard, and picking a lube that doesn’t work for you isn’t really a big deal. You can simply wipe the lube off and try again with another lube. Here are some tips to pick the best cube lube:
Pick a middle of the road weight that’s not too gummy, or not too speedy.
If you want it faster or slower, adjust from there
Pick a heavy weight lube to lubricate the internals of the cube to keep things moving smoothly, and reduce spring noise
Use a lighter weight lube for the external pieces that rub against each other to get your desired speed and feel
Basically you want to preserve the integrity of the internals with a thick lube that will stay there for a long time so you don’t have to open your cube up all the time. The exterior cube pieces can be lubed frequently so find the type you like and keep it on your hand to maintain your cube.
If you want a really fast cube, try some of the faster lubes like Speedy from The Cubicle, or the Traxxas 10k Diff Oil. For a heavier weight, try Traxxas 50k, Lubix, or Cubicle Gummy.
This isn’t going to be a super in-depth guide, but here’s the information that I’ve found on lubing your cube alongside a video I used to learn from:
Fully disassemble your cube by popping off the center caps, and unscrewing the screws all the way. Keep track of the screws, springs, and washers. Use your heavy weight oil on the screws, and internal pieces of the cube that make up the core. Ensure that the lube is spread evenly and on all of the pieces. Start reassembling the cube and apply the lighter weight oil to the external cube pieces as you start getting close to having it reassembled. A good place to put it is if you have an edge piece off, put some there and then put the edge piece back in. Play with the cube, rotating in all directions to spread the lube out evenly. Add more as required. Now take a few minutes to tension your cube properly which involves tightening or loosening the screws so that the tightness is the same all around and your corner cutting is good.
Overall, there’s a fair variety of lubes to choose from but you should be able to find the best speed cube lube for you within one or two products. To be honest, The Cubicle’s support and products are so great I would probably recommend starting with one of their standard lubes and branching out from there. This way, you have a standard lube speed to start from and you can adjust from there. I hope this information was helpful – talk to your friends and hop on the forums as well to see what other lube cubers are using. Leave me a comment below if you have any lubes you love or any info to share.
If you want to know what is the best Pyraminx on the market right now then look at our list of the best ones available today. The top model on the market, and the best budget and beginner options of this fun and exciting twisty puzzle.
In my opinion, the GAN magnetic pyraminx is number 1. While the price tag is slightly higher than other options it’s one of, if not the best quality pyraminx. The MoYu has superior corner cutting, world-record performance, and it’s really smooth to use and solve no matter what your pace.
78mm x 83mm x 95mm
Red, green, blue, and yellow sides
Great quality cube with smooth turning and superior corner cutting
MoYu is a house-hold standard when it comes to speed cubing. This cube is available in stickerless which I know appeals to a lot of cubers and regular puzzlers, as it does to me as well. This cube is of excellent quality, and is sold at a great price making it possibly the best overall pyraminx in this review. It has an appealing color scheme and stickerless option. The only reason I would get the Moyu over the GAN is if you’re looking for a better price, are partial to the brand, or just like the colors.
This is by no means a low quality option; it’s a consistently made and good quality pyraminx, but they’re definitely the budget option as the price dictates. These puzzles could even be used to set world records so they don’t lack performance but also coming in at just a fraction of the cost of other Pyraminx brands. With similar dimensions as the other puzzles, the The Tanch Qiyi Pyraminx handles well and is very speedy. It has a more clacky feel in comparison to the other options so that may appeal to you.
The Pyraminx is a tetrahedron puzzle similar to the standard 3×3 Rubik’s cube. It was patented by the same guy who brought you the Megaminx, and Skewb, Uwe Mèffert in 1981.
He first thought of the idea in 1970 and didn’t capitalize on the unique puzzle until 1981 when it entered production in Hong Kong. Uwe credits Erno’s Rubik’s invention for the birth of his Pyraminx. You’re here to find out what the best Pyraminx is, so let’s get into the reviews. Instead of listing every single Pyraminx available I’ve narrowed it down to a few great options that should suit a wide variety of puzzler’s needs.
How to pick the best Pyraminx for you!
So you’ve read my descriptions and comments on what I think are the four best Pyraminx puzzles on the market, but maybe you’re not sure which one is for you. You could also be buying one as a gift for someone else and require a bit more guidance than has been revealed so far so here we go.
If you’re new to Pyraminx, puzzling, or speed cubing and want to try the Pyraminx I would try the ShengShou. Overall it’s a great and fast cube and it will barely sting your wallet just costing a few bucks. Once you break in the puzzle and set it how you like it – it’s an awesome Pyraminx.
If you’re an experienced cuber looking to get a top-tier Pyraminx then I would go with the MoYu. If you specifically like the Dayan brand then they’re closer enough that they can both be top tier cubes – the cube doesn’t make the cuber!
If you have a Pyraminx or a lot of other cubes already and want to try out a “superior” Pyraminx with a unique design, then I would try the QiYi Pyraminx. Otherwise unless you specifically like the color scheme of the QiYi then I would go with a MoYu or Dayan.
Pyraminx Resources
After we get our Pyraminx of course we want to solve it, here are the resources I used to learn algorithms and how to solve my Pyraminx. It’s not a super difficult twisty puzzle if you have some experience, and if not you can definitely figure it out with a bit of time.
Kewbz Learn to Solve Your Pyraminx Guide – very easy to follow along and solve
Nerd Paradise guide – step by step visual guide to solving the Pyraminx
Ruwix Pyraminx simulator – useful after you’re solving the cube and want to train
Pyraminx Cool Facts
We can’t finish off this article without some cool facts on the Pyraminx now can we?
The first official Pyraminx competition was organized in 2003 – American Andy Bellenir won by solving it in 14.09 seconds.
The max number of twists required to solve the Pyraminx is 11
The current world record single solve of the Pyraminx is 1.36 seconds set by Drew Brads in 2015. The best average is also held by the same guy at 2.52 seconds.
Higher order variations of the puzzle are the Professor Pyraminx, and the Tetraminx which is basically a Pyraminx without tips.
Wrap up
If you got this far, thanks for reading! I put together this list of the best Pyraminx puzzles available because I saw that there was a lack of reviews. Within these four Pyraminx listed here I’m sure you can find the right puzzle for you, from budget to top-tier speed cube options there’s something for everyone.
Check this list of the best megaminx speed cubes including the highest quality megaminx, best budget megaminx, and more information about megaminxes like how to choose a good megaminx.
Best Megaminx Reviews
Megaminx
The Cube
PuzzleDude’s Review
Get it here
Cuberspeed QY Toys Megaminx
Best budget Megaminx, amazing price for the quality
The Megaminx is a twisty puzzle similar to a Rubik’s cube that has 12 different faces and 50 movable pieces (known as a dodecahedron), so prepare for a challenge as it can take quite a bit longer to solve.
This puzzle is also known as the Magic Dodecahedron, the Hungarian Supernova, or can be called a Megaminx cube.
What is the best Megaminx?
If you’re an experienced speed cuber, or just looking for a new puzzle to test your mind with then the Megaminx is an excellent option. There’s widespread information available online to help you solve it, and it’s a longer lasting solve than a regular Rubik’s or smaller so it can keep you entertained for longer. So what is the best Megaminx?
This isn’t a super straightforward question as there are a few things to consider when picking the right Megaminx for you. Here’s what you should consider when picking one:
Budget – Not all Megaminx are made equally, choosing one based on your budget is valid and there are options for both ends of the spectrum.
Speed! – Just like not every Megaminx is made equally, not every cuber is equal either. Some cubers are faster than others, and some may take their time solving the Megaminx. Some puzzles turn faster than others so this is another important option to consider.
Stickered or stickerless – A common question when it comes to any type of twisty puzzle… to sticker or not to sticker? That is the question. Some like the look of stickered puzzles and also the puzzles offer a white or black background which can have a cool style. Others like the stickerless appeal because you never have to resticker or worry about it getting dirty or damaged.
Brand – Hello brand loyalty! If you’re a cuber with brand preferences already, this may outright answer your question for you. You’ll probably see some familiar brands in this list so you know what to expect if you’ve tried out their other cubes.
So now that we have a good idea of some of the options to be aware of when looking at a Megaminx, let’s check out some of the more popular ones!
Cuberspeed QY Toys Megaminx Review ( 4.6 / 5 )
The Cuberspeed QY Toys Megaminx is the most budget friendly option on the list, but that doesn’t make it a bad cube. They’re solid to use after they’re broken in and properly set up. And the price tag attached to this good quality cube is just such a great value.
GAN Megaminx Maglev Magnetic Speed Cube Review ( 4.5 / 5 )
When you buy GAN, you know what you’re getting and this cube is no exception. This is a top rated megaminx and you are getting the quality that you pay for. It has auto-aligning and strategically placed magnets for smooth turns as well as an ergonomic grip. Comes at a hefty price tag but it is well worth it if you want the best quality megaminx.
Great corner cutting
Doesn’t pop or lock
Auto-aligning magnetic
Puzzle Dude’s rating (4.5 / 5) – Top Quality Megaminx
This right here is the best overall megaminx on the list, and in my opinion the best Megaminx for the average speed cuber out there. It has the great corner cutting, fast spinning, and it’s the easiest to break in and set up. I also think that it has the most appealing color scheme out of them all if that’s your thing.
There are other Megaminx out there, but I don’t like to list them off for no apparent reason. I believe that you can find the best Megaminx for you within this list of three with all of their various options. Really it boils down to:
Are you on a budget? Get the Cuberspeed.
If you’re not on a budget, are you a speed cuber? If so you can choose between the D-FantiX or the GAN, I think that the GAN is the highest quality cube but the D-FantiX could be good enough quality for a much better price.
If you’re a beginner and not on a budget, I would get the D-FantiX as it offers high quality and you won’t out-solve the speed for a while (if ever).
How to Solve a Megaminx
If you’ve never touched a Megaminx before it’s a good idea to move it around on your own for awhile without looking up any algorithms. This gives your mind a chance to grasp the Megaminx solution on its own — it is difficult but possible to solve without looking up how to do it!
But if you’ve already exhausted yourself trying to figure it out and are ready for some help, here are some youtube guides on how to solve a Megaminx depending on your current skill level:
This youtube video will go step by step through solving a megaminx with the algorithms to take you from the first to last layer.
If you’re already familiar with the solve and would like to learn more about how to speed solve a megaminx you can check out this video.
Megaminx tutorial with algorithms and videos – Great resource for recognizing the Megaminx patterns
Cool Megaminx Facts
You’ve made it this far! Here are some cool Megaminx facts you might not know, I certainly didn’t know them before researching.
It was designed by Uwe Mèffert. He also designed the Skewb.
There are two options of the Megaminx, 6 color or 12 color. The 12 color is preferred due to less chance for a parity in the solution (otherwise identical pieces in the wrong spot).
The current Megaminx world record solve is in 29.93 seconds by Juan Pablo Huanqui of Peru in the LatAm Tour – Santiago 2017 competition.
The world record for 5 average solve is 35.15s set by Juan Pablo Huanqui in the same competition as well.
Megaminx Variations
Just like the Rubik’s cube (3x3x3) has variations like the 4x4x4, 5x5x5, 6x6x6 etc. there are Megaminx variations. The Megaminx is the base size with additional layers, here are the others:
Kilominx (2 different layers)
Master Kilominx (4)
Gigaminx (5)
Teraminx (7)
Petaminx (9)
Zetaminx (13)
Yottaminx (15) – this thing costs like $4000!
Anywho fellow Puzzlers, I hope you enjoyed reading this guide to getting the best Megaminx for you as much as I enjoyed writing it. The Megaminx really is a great puzzle that you can get for not much more than a regular 3×3 cube so snatch it up and have some fun!
The 6×6 Rubik’s cube is essentially an expansion of the original 3×3 speed cube making a more difficult to solve cube. But don’t worry! There are a ton of great resources out there to help you solve your cube, and I’m here to help you find the best 6×6 cube with my reviews of the top options.
In this review article I’ll show you the best 6×6 speed cubes, give you some history on the 6×6 Rubik’s cube, share resources on how to solve this puzzle, and show you the world record holder! Let’s start off with a review table including all of the 6×6 cubes in this review!
Best 6×6 Cubes Review Table
6×6 Cubes
The Cube
PuzzleDude’s Review
Get it here
MoYu Aoshi 6×6 (Bukefuno)
Maybe the highest quality 6×6 cube out there. Reasonable price too.
This is going to be another one fo those reviews where we can end it right here – another MoYu cube taking the top spot is no surprise to me. This 6×6 Aoshi is not terribly expensive at around $20-30 and it’s the best 6×6 speed cube out there right now. You can get it in white and black stickered, and sticklerless as well. The outside edges turn quickly, there’s minimal popping, and it has that fast and buttery MoYu feel. Hard to go wrong with this one – the 6×6 world record was attained using this exact cube.
Great corner cutting, easy to adjust
Smooth and fast/controlled cube
PuzzleDude’s rating (4.5 / 5) – best 6×6 cube hands down
ShengShou is my standard budget speed cube to resort to when money is a concern. You can have a fully functioning 6×6 cube from ShengShou for $10-15 which is around half the price of the king Aoshi. ShengShou does have an appealing feel, the outside edges are really fast, but the middle will catch more frequently than say the MoYu Aoshi.
For a long time the V-Cube 6×6 was the only commercially available 6×6 due to copyright laws, and to be honest it was really sad to see because this is an awful cube out of the box. With some modifications people were able to get it to be a workable cube but I think that’s unacceptable from a cubing manufacturer that’s producing puzzles to be solved out of the mix. The V-Cube does have some appeal with the tapered pillow design but other than that at a higher price than the Aoshi there’s absolutely no reason to get it.
Poor speed and handling
Bad corner cutting
Overpriced for what you get
Patented for a long time and was the only 6×6 in production (sadly)
Since we only have a few options when it comes to 6×6 speed cubes there’s not too much to say. Since they are larger cubes and have more pieces to get caught on, the larger the cube the more popping/catching there will be. The ShengShou catches sometimes, and the Aoshi catches as well but not as much.
If you have no budget or are buying this 6×6 as a gift for someone, go with the MoYu Aoshi hands down. If you have any budget requirements or just want to get into solving 6×6 for fun without speed cubing then the ShengShou is a suitable cube.
Ideally when picking a speed cube you want to look for the following characteristics:
Corner cutting – You want at least 45 degree corner cutting, any more can be harder to control but it is desirable to some speed cubers.
Speed – You want a cube that doesn’t slow you down, but also isn’t too fast for your hand movements.
Stickered or stickerless – With stickerless cubes now being legal, you can have your choice between stickers or no stickers – tough choice!
Ready out of the box? Sometimes I review cubes that require some lubing, proper tension, and set up out of the box. If you’re new to cubing or need a competition ready cube quickly then you might want to do some research beforehand.
Feel – Cubes can be smooth and quiet, clicky, easy to control, hard to control (because of speed), and even feel a bit sandy. This sort of tactile response is important to some cubers who prefer a certain style and feel of cube.
Build quality – Generally when buying cubes, if it’s more expensive you’re paying for high-quality plastics, and a good product that’s been tested and may even hold world records.
Let’s continue this 6×6 speed cube mega guide with some history and fun facts, and finally ending with the current 6×6 world records and how to solve your new cube!
6×6 Speed Cube History
The V-Cube or 6×6 is a 6x6x6 version of the Rubik’s cube that has no fixed faces. IT was invented by Panagiotis Verdes and was patented to only be produced by the Greek company Verdes Innovations for a long time. This was a sad case as the V-Cube really isn’t that great of a cube in comparison to the now available MoYu Aoshi.
The 6×6 consists of 152 cube faces to be solved from 1.57X10^115 possible permutations. A common way to solve this type of cube is to group the center pieces, and edge pieces together so that the cube resembles a 3×3 and similar solutions can be used to complete the cube.
With a cube like this, certain “parity errors” may occur which require different algorithms to solve (these errors can’t occur on a 3×3). For example two edges could be inverted which makes the solution incorrect.
6×6 World Records
As of 2016 the world record for a single 6×6 solve is held by Kevin Hays from the US using the MoYu Aoshi reviewed in this article. The record for best average of three solves is held by, yep you guessed it, Feliks Zemdegs who averaged 1m43.83s in Melbourne last year. Talk about fast! He also hit his world record with the Aoshi (hint the MoYu Aoshi is the best 6×6 cube…). #ad
Learning to Solve Your 6×6
In this final section I’m going to share how to solve your 6×6 the way I learned to solve mine.
First off, I checked out this forum thread with video guides on how to solve the 6×6. I also used this supporting guide which is text/image based to help me learn a bit more. Pick whichever style of either images/text or video learning is applicable to you.
Best 6×6 Cube Reviews Conclusion
Well that was another fun cubing review article – I hope you liked it. It wasn’t quite as long as the others because not as many people are into 6×6, and 7×7 as they are the smaller options like 2×2, 3×3, 4×4, and 5×5. I think past 5×5 is when there aren’t as many cube manufacturers competing either. Anyways, hopefully my reviews of the best 6×6 cube options was helpful!
In my best 7×7 cube reviews I’m going to cover the top options when it comes to this size of the Rubik’s cube. It’s logical as you collect and gain more experience as a puzzler to get more and more puzzles, and get larger and harder puzzles too. The 7×7 is the largest cube that has a category in speed solving competitions, so you could say this is the end of the road.
The MoYu Aofu is my go-to from the 7×7 cubes available. It comes in two versions, square and pillowed. I really like the pillowed version as it catches less and is way more comfortable to handle with my hand size. Either way, the square version or the pillowed version are both in my opinion great 7×7 cubes and you should probably choose between them if you can. They aren’t super expensive at around $50 considering the amount of cube you’re getting.
Available in square and pillowed
Get white stickered, black stickered, or stickerless
Minimal popping, pillowed has the least locking
Very fast outter layers, inner layers move well too
PuzzleDude’s rating (4.5 / 5) – best 7×7 cube for speed cubing
If you want to get into 7×7 cubing, get a MoYu Aofu – right now there are no other cubes that can compete with it.
V Cube 7×7 Review (2.5/5)
The V Cube 7×7 and other V Cube products continue to disappoint with their poor quality of the stickers, and mechanics that make solving this cube at any respectable speed a nightmare. Again, I recommend staying away from V Cubes especially when the Aofu is far superior at the same price, and the Shengshou at a lower price is even superior. I’ll review the ShengShou 7×7 next.
Stickers come off easily
Pops and locks frequently
Hard to solve quickly
MoYu has released a pillowed version which makes this cube 100% obsolete.
PuzzleDude’s rating (2.5 / 5) – worst 7×7 cube
ShengShou 7×7 Review (3.5/5)
Ah ShengShou, the gold standard of budget speed cubes that are actually really solid. ShengShou has that distinct ultra-fast and clacky feel that some people love, and anyone on a budget will love as well. Considering that you can get a ShengShou 7×7 cube for half of the price of the MoYu and it’s still a great cube that people use in competition to this date shows huge value.
I recommend the ShengShou 7×7 for anyone wanting to get a 7×7 on a budget, or if you specifically like the feel of ShengShou puzzles then you’ll like this as well. ShengShou also released a smaller version 69mm 7×7 that can be used as an alternative to the pillowed version for easier handling. This is the only mini-sized 7×7 that I’m aware of at the date of publishing this article.
How to pick the best 7×7 for you
There are only really a few options when it comes to 7×7’s so I can’t go into too much detail here, but the main things you want to look for in a speed cube are:
Popping – Minimal popping and locking is essential for a cube to be fast. If it locks on you, your solve times will suffer. However, some puzzler’s styles make them more prone to popping on certain cubes. Overall you can’t go wrong with the MoYu 7×7 pillowed version which I think is the smoothest cube on this list.
Price – It’s always a concern to stay within your budget when buying these addictive puzzles. Considering budget, purchasing the ShengShou for half of the price of the MoYu could net you 2-3 additional puzzles in the money you save (depending on the size).
Stickered or stickerless – With the new laws allowing stickerless puzzles in competition, the attractive stickerless puzzles are gaining traction. I personally like the look, feel, and long-lasting stickerless puzzles that never change in appearance and can easily be cleaned with solvents.
Size – We all have different hands, so using a square vs pillowed 7×7 can make a world of difference. ShengShou also offers a mini 7×7 cube which could be a great purchase for those with smaller hands that have a hard time handlging the standard size 7×7.
Learning About the 7×7
I always like to end my cube review articles with some more information on the cube at hand. Lets go over the history of the 7×7, some good resources to learn how to solve the cube, and finally go over fun facts and the current world records!
7×7 Cube History
Like the 5×5, the V Cube 7 was previously patented by Verdes Innovations and until recently no other companies could produce cubes of this size. This was very upsetting to the speed cubing and puzzling communities as the V Cube was a poor performing cube and also very expensive. Now that other companies are able to make larger cubes like this 7×7, V Cube basically has no hold on the market as no one would choose theirs over a MoYu or ShengShou.
Solving the 7×7
The 7×7 is big, consisting of 218 cubies! The 7×7 is the only speed cubing competition category that allows the use of a pillowed cube – another strike against V Cube. With so many pieces and arrangements possible via the 7×7, there are 1.95×10^160 permutations possible – way too many to type the full number out here.
Solving the 7×7 involves grouping the centers into all thesame colors, and then grouping the edges. Finally with that in check, 3×3 algorithms can be used to solve the cube. Parity restrictions also come into play when solving the 7×7 which require special algorithms. Here are the resources that I used to solve my 7×7 – I’ve included a video resource and a text resource so you can choose one based on your learning style.
As a foreword, most of these tutorials assume you have some knowledge of 3×3, 4×4, 5×5, etc. cubes because the solutions build on each other. I think this is a fair assumption because those looking for a 7×7 usually own at least a 3×3 cube and usually all of the cubes leading up.
7×7 World Records
Time for the best section, the 7×7 world record review! Would you be surprised if I told you that Feliks Zemdegs held both the single and average of 3 solve world record? Good because he does! He holds the single at 2 minutes and 23.55 seconds, and the average of three at 2 minutes and 30.14 seconds. He set both of these records in 2015 at two different competitions.
He set the record using a mini ShengShou 7×7 for reference.
Best 7×7 Cube Reviews Conclusion
I always have a fun time reviewing cubes, sharing their history, and reviewing the world records. I find that this article style is great as an intro to the cube and anyone interested in purchasing one. In conclusion, the MoYu 7×7’s #ad are the best in my opinion. the ShengShou is a close second, and you could argue that the ShengShou is the best cube due to the world record being set with it – I can’t debate that too heavily.
The best 7×7 cube is the one that you can afford, and one that doesn’t limit your solve speed. Saying that, you’re choosing between MoYu or ShengShou with a few sub-options between them like the ShengShou mini, or pilowed MoYu.
The best 5×5 cube depends on if you’re new to 5×5, or an experienced puzzler looking for a competitive speed cube. In these reviews of some of the top 5×5 cubes I’ll cover the basics of speed cube criteria, and give options for the beginner, speed cuber, and budget minded individual.
I always recommend starting off with the best 5×5 cube you can afford when first starting out so you don’t outgrow your cube. If you’ve ever used the Rubik’s brand 3×3 you know what I’m talking about. The cube can simply not handle fast inputs and locks up like a little bugger. The same thing happens when you buy cheap 4×4, and even 5×5 cubes. So buy the best cube you can – no cube is too “fast” or “good” for a beginner just starting out. The cuber simply needs to adjust to the cube. With that out of the way, let’s go over some criteria to consider when choosing a good 5×5:
Budget and build quality – This was touched on in the previous paragraph, generally when it comes to cubing you get what you pay for. Every 5×5 on this list can be solved, but at what speed, corner cutting, and will it catch? Those are the features you’re paying for with more expensive cubes.
Corner cutting – With more pieces to catch on, 5×5 cube builds are more complex than 4×4’s. Corner cutting is very important for solving this cube quickly so invest wisely and buy a good cube if you have any concern with speed cubing.
Popping – Again, with so many pieces and popping being a concern – you want to buy a cube with minimal popping.
Speed – Speed is important, especially in the outer edges.
Feel – Do you want crisp, clicky, sandy, buttery, controllable, etc.? These are all descriptions of cubes that I’ll hope to use in this review to help you choose the best 5×5 speed cube for you
Stickers – With the new rules legalizing stickerless in competition, if the cube comes in a stickerless version then it’s important to note.
Best 5×5 Cube Reviews
With some pre-article info out of the way, let’s get into the best 5×5 cube reviews including options for beginners, speed cubers, budget puzzlers, and everyone in between.
Moyu Huachuang Review (4.5/5)
MoYu’s recent release of the Huachuang may have overthrown the Aochuang as the best 5×5 cube on the market right now. It costs about $5 more than the Aochuang and has a few upgrades to reduce popping which can certainly be worth it. However, if you already own an Aochuang it’s probably not worth the upgrade. I’m adding this to the list first because I think it’s the best 5×5 cube for speed cubing and beginners as well – if you have the dough for this cube you should start with it.
Very smooth and quick cube
Feels light and controlled
Improved corner cutting over the Aochuang
Least lockups out of all the 5×5’s on this list
PuzzleDude’s rating (4.5 / 5) – best 5×5 cube on the market right now
MoYu Aochuang Review (4/5)
The previous king of the castle, the MoYu Aochuang is still a great 5×5 cube. Coming in slightly cheaper than the Huachuang is the Aochuang that is said to pop and lock up at a slightly higher frequency due to the over corner cutting. I personally have a very precise turning style so I don’t lock up with most 5×5’s so it’s hard for me to say if these upgrades and extra dollars are worth it. Overall, the Aochuang is the second best 5×5 on this list in my opinion and if you already have it, there’s really no need to upgrade to the Huachuang.
Smooth and fast cube
Loose/fast feel
Can over turn on corner cuts
Slightly more prone to popping than the Huachaung
PuzzleDude’s rating (4 / 5) – really a great 5×5 cube, comparable to the Huachuang with a bit looser/faster feel
Some people will still prefer the feel of the Aochuang over the Huachuang especially if they’re already used to it. The Aochuang offers a really loose/fast feel that’s appealing to some of the fastest cubers in the world.
ShengShou 5×5 Review (3.5/5)
What kind of cube review page would this be without a budget ShengShou thrown into the mix? Here’s one of the best budget 5×5’s on the list with Shengshou. Shengshou cubes are fast, buttery, and a bit clicky. You can set them up different and they’re a great baseline for all cube styles and friendly on the wallet.
Reliable ShengShou quality
Fast and clicky
Outsides are fast, interior pieces are a bit slower
Some locking and popping
PuzzleDude’s rating (3.5 / 5) – good 5×5 cube on a budget!
I recommend this cube for anyone on a budget looking to get into solving 5×5 cubes. Solve it 1000 times and it’ll still work, and it’s about 1/3 of the price in comparison to the other options on this list.
Cyclone Boys 5×5 Review (4/5)
This cube kind of took me by surprise when I first used it. Normally on my review lists I stick with Shengshou for the budget cube but I can’t pass this one up. I actually recommend the Cyclone Boys 5×5 as the best 5×5 cube on a budget over the ShengShou because it turns smoother, and the inner layers turn wayyyy better. This thing is close to being on par with the MoYu cubes for less than half the price which is insane.
Very stable feel
Cuts corners easily
Fast/scratchy turning
On par with the MoYu cubes for a great price
PuzzleDude’s rating (4 / 5) – best budget 5×5 cube, the value on this cube is insane!
In this one special case I would recommend this for a beginner cube over going with the MoYu options since you get such good value for the price. The MoYu cubes are almost twice as much and really not 2x better. This is a great beginner 5×5 cube.
Yuxin 5×5 Review (4/5)
This inclusion in the list is for preference. I know that a lot of cubers really like the Yuxin brand, and this cube is on par with the MoYu cubes once properly set up so I’ll include it, but I don’t think it’s as good out of the box.
Very fast and controlled cube
Quiet 5×5
Good corner cutting, minimal popping
Currently the world record is with this cube
PuzzleDude’s rating (4 / 5) – great cube, but takes a bit of set up out of the box
The Yuxin is a very fast and controlled cube. Yuxin has made a great name for themselves, and if you have other Yuxin 2×2, 3×3, 4×4 cubes then you’ll probably like their 5×5.
How to pick the best 5×5 cube for you
With some previous information, and the top 5 cubes reviewed – let’s go over exactly who these cubes are for.
For the speed cuber – Go with the Huachaung #ad, it’s hands down the best 5×5 speed cube on this list. If you already have the Aochuang don’t worry about upgrading
For the budget speed cuber – The cyclone boys 5×5 #ad is on par with MoYu and Yuxin and comes in at an amazing price. It’s hard to beat this value for a competition ready cube
For the budget beginner or general beginner – Cyclone boys again, the value is just unmatched and the Cyclone Boys 5×5 is way better than the ShengShou.
Learning about your 5×5
Now that we’ve covered the basis of picking a 5×5, let’s go over learning to solve your 5×5 and I want to share some cool facts as well.
5×5 Cube History “The Professor’s Cube”
The Professor’s Cube more commonly known as the 5×5 has similar qualities to the 3×3 and 4×4 and knowing those algorithms and basis can certainly help you solve it. There’s not a lot of information on who invented or released the 5×5 first, but it is a commonly solved cube and present in speed solving competitions.
Solving Your 5×5 Cube
Like I said, if you know the 3×3 and 4×4 drills then learning how to solve your 5×5 will be a breeze. If you have preferred websites or forums you use to learn algorithms and read guides on puzzles, check those out first. Here are the resources I used to learn how to solve my 5×5:
Possible permutations of the 5×5 cube. That’s a huge number! I had to make a line just to house it. Speed cubers use a method where they group similar edge pieces into solid strips and centers into one-colored blocks to basically turn the cube into a 3×3. From there, they can use the algorithm they know for 3×3 and the only remaining challenge is handling the cube without popping it.
5×5 Speed Cubing World Records
The moment you’ve all been waiting for, 5×5 world records! Guess who, none other than your favorite cuber Feliks Zemdegs holds the world record single at 44.83 seconds, AND the average of 5 world record at 50.15 seconds. Check it out below – FYI he’s using the Yuxin 5×5….! #ad
Best 5×5 Cube Review Conclusion
That was a fun article, and a long one too. If you made it this far, thanks I appreciate you reading all the way through! The best 5×5 cube for a beginner is definitely the Cyclone Boys but at the top level for speed cubers it’s still up in the air. A lot of people love the MoYu cubes, but Feliks likes the Yuxin and has the world record with it, so it’s hard to argue with that. Anyways if you have any questions be sure to comment below, or let me know what 5×5 you’re using!
This review of the best 4×4 speed cubes will list all the top choices based on speed and smoothness of turning and cornering, budget, and overall quality.
The best 4×4 cube varies from person to person, and depending on whether you’re into puzzling, speed cubing, or a beginner, there’s a cube for you. What I’m trying to say is the best 4×4 cube for one may not be the same for another – in my 4×4 cube reviews I’ll break down the criteria to look at when selecting a cube and help you find one based on your needs.
D-Fantix 4×4 review: lower quality cube that is perfectly fine to use, but doesn’t justify the price tag when you can find less expensive cubes of similar quality
Official Rubik’s 4×4 review: lower quality cube, too high of price
How to pick the best 4×4 cube for you
There aren’t too many factors to consider when choosing a 4×4 but let’s go over them:
Are you a competitive speed cuber? If so, then budget will likely not be of concern as you’ll want a fast cube, no corner catching, no popping, and a high-quality build that will last you well.
Do you have a budget? If so, I’ll offer up a budget option for those wanting a 4×4 cube for cheap.
Corner popping – this can be a deciding factor when it comes to choosing your cube. I’ll try to keep the list clear of any poppers but I’ll make a note if there are issues
Corner cutting – Another important feature for a cube to have, I’ll let you know about the corner cutting for the 4×4’s reviewed here
Speed – Some like blisteringly fast cubes, some like slower cubes – let’s break it down and find a good mix of 4×4’s.
Clicky, sandy, smooth? – These are terms used to describe how a cube feels when it turns. Some cubers like clicky cubes that click and clack during solving, some like a sandy cube that feels a bit gritty, and some just like a smooth turn.
Stickered vs stickerless – Now that stickleress cubes are competition legal, some prefer stickered vs stickerless 4×4’s so I’ll present options for both.
Now getting into the best 4×4 speed cube reviews, I’ll break them down into categories based on the criteria above to find a best overall cube, a best 4×4 for speedcubing, and a best budget cube at a minimum.
Look, there are a ton of 4×4 cubes out there so I’ll try to narrow it down to the top brands, well known cubes, and throw in some great budget options. Let’s go!
MoYu Aosu 4×4 Review (4.5/5)
It’s no surprise to see a MoYu at the top of the best 4×4 cube list. The Aosu is overall the best 4×4 cube on the list and it doesn’t come in terribly expensive. There are other comparable options on this list but I like the Aosu the best and you probably will too.
Minimal popping
Best corner cutting on the list
Speed is perfect – buttery and crisp feel
Available in stickered and stickerless
PuzzleDude’s rating (4.5 / 5) – best 4×4 cube for speed cubing!
If you’re looking for the best 4×4 out there right now, you could honestly get the Aosu and stop going through the list right now. There are other similar cubes but I think that the Aosu has topped them all in terms of limited popping and the best corner cutting out there – plus it’s as smooth as butter.
Shengshou 4×4 Review (3.5/5)
Here’s my budget 4×4 pick for the list. Shengshou is well known in the speed cubing community for making decent cubes but they often lack a bit of build quality, and therefore the corner cutting suffers and they pop more frequently than MoYu cubes. However not everyone has the same goals with cubing/puzzling or the same budget and I understand that. For almost half of the price of the Aosu you can have a fully functioning 4×4 cube to start practicing on which is hard to fault. I recommend this for anyone looking to get a 4×4 on a budget.
Pops sometimes
Decent corner cutting
Has a nice clicky/sandy feel that some cubers like
Available in stickered only
PuzzleDude’s rating (3.5 / 5) – best budget 4×4 cube!
If you want to get into solving 4×4 you can’t go wrong with a Shengshou and they come at a great price. Overall they’re a decent quality good, and perfect to learn on.
Yuxin 4×4 Review (4/5)
The Yuxin is the next cube on this list that will attempt to compete with the MoYu Aosu but I’m not personally sure that it can. The Yuxin is smooth, cuts corners well, doesn’t pop easily, but the inner blocks are not as smooth as the Aosu. This cube would be able to compete with the Aosu if the center was a bit smoother but it’s still a great cube and at a great price point for the quality you get – in the middle of the Shengshou and Aosu for price.
Minmal popping
Great corner cutting
Great speed, fast and light
Middle blocks are tight and sticky
PuzzleDude’s rating (4 / 5) – great 4×4 cube for an average price
If you like Yuxin cubes and have used their 3×3’s or 2×2’s then you’ll probably like their 4×4. Some people DO like the Yusin over the Aosu but it’s not for me.
YongJun Guansu Review (4/5)
A similar case to the Yuxin vs Aosu here we have the YongJun Guansu. This is another top-tier 4×4 cube that falls just short of the Aosu. It’s even cheaper than the Yuxin so you could say that this is the best value for a viable 4×4 to use in speedcubing competitions.
YongJun’s “semi-budget” 4×4
Cuts corners well, not as good as the Aosu
Great budget option giving you good value for a competition ready 4×4
Blocky and smoooh feel
PuzzleDude’s rating (4 / 5) – best performance to value 4×4
Again, cubes are pretty preferential but I haven’t heard anyone say they prefer the Guansu over the Aosu so purchase accordingly.
Picking the right 4×4
I think that since the price difference between the cubes really isn’t that much, it would be wisest to just save up for the Aosu as I think you’ll want one eventually. There’s a bit of debate within the speedcubing community on what kind of cube you should start with, and I’m on the side of always starting with the best cube possible. If you look at people’s cube collections they end up with tons of 3×3’s, 4×4’s and more – why not just pick up what’s secured as the best 4×4 cube and call it a day?
If you still need some help deciding between the 4×4 cubes available today, here’s some further guidance.
The MoYu Aosu #ad is the best 4×4 speed cube right now – get it if you can
If budget is a concern, the Shengshou 4×4 #ad is the cheapest one right now
The Guansu #ad and Yuxin #ad are both great cubes priced between the best and cheapest cube, some people prefer them. Go for these cubes if you have a specific reason to want a Yuxin or the new Guansu.
Getting into 4×4 solving
History of the “Rubik’s Revenge”
If you’re new to speed cubing, and more specifically 4×4 then this section will serve to educate you a bit on the history of the “Rubik’s Revenge” and how to go about learning the puzzle.
The Rubik’s Revenge aka Master Cube – more commonly known as the 4×4 is a 4x4x4 version of the Rubik’s Cube released in 1981. It was invented by Péter Sebestény and was almost named the Sebestény Cube until they decided to call it the Rubik’s Revenge to target the already built fan base of the Rubik’s cube, which was probably a good move.
The 4×4 basics
Solving a 4×4 involves solving the centers, solving the outside edges, and then it can be solved using the same techniques as the 3×3 with some additional algorithms.
There are 8 corners, 24 edges, and 24 centres, and any permutation of the corners is possible. There are a total number of:
7401196841564901869874093974498574336000000000
Possible permutations. This number is 7401 septillion! That’s a lot.
Learning to solve your 4×4
I can solve my 4×4, but I’m not going to claim to be an expert at the algorithms and instructions, I’ll leave that to the pros. Here are some extremely credible resources that I’ve personally used to learn how to solve cubes of all sorts – here are their 4×4 sections.
If you need more info than this, YouTube will serve you well.
The world record single fastest time was set by Feliks Zemdegs at 21.54 seconds. The World record for an average of five solves is held by Sebastian Weyer with an average of 26.03 – he set that one in 2014. Someone even solved it in 2 minutes blindfolded in 2015!
Best 4×4 Cube Review Conclusion
The 4×4 is a really great puzzle and probably the most common second puzzle someone will get after solving the 3×3 (other than more 3×3 speed cubes!). Whether you get the best 4×4 cube or not, they’ll all work and be able to be solved which is the most important thing when it comes to getting a puzzle for the first time. However if you’re an experienced puzzler looking for the best 4×4 speed cube then look no further than the Aosu.
Whether you’re a speed cuber looking for the best 2×2 cube, or a beginner whose just finished with a 3×3 speed cube I’m here to help you find the best 2×2 cube for your needs. First we’ll break down what exactly makes a good 2×2 cube, and I’ll share several cubes that should cover the best 2×2 speed cube, the best budget 2×2, and more.
The best 2×2 cube is one that lets you solve the puzzle as fast as you physically can. So for a beginner, if the puzzle turns and has no errors that should be sufficient. However, as humans we learn quickly so you’ll be wanting a faster cube sooner than later. This is why I almost always recommend getting the best/fastest cube on the market at the time so you’re never limited by your cube.
When it comes to 2×2’s there’s not much popping or locking so all of the cubes are pretty similar except some minor differences in build quality, speed, feel, AND SIZE. Let’s go over the criteria when it comes to picking the best 2×2:
Build quality – This is pretty well dictated by price, you get what you pay for in most cases but I will highlight some 2×2 cubes that give you excellent performance for the value
Speed – This is going to be mainly preferential, there are insanely fast 2×2’s and also slower ones. I don’t think that speed is a limiting factor but more of a preference.
Popping – There’s no popping in 2×2’s that should worry you.
Feel – This is another important one, do you want smooth, clicky, sandy, or what? I’ll try to describe the options as best as I can.
Size – This is key when it comes to choosing the right 2×2. Depending on your hand/finger size you might want a larger or smaller 2×2. Since it’s basically the smallest cube option out there when looking at the 3×3 or 4×4 it actually matters and there are specific options to offer larger 2×2’s.
Price – You can never discount price, some cubes are plainly more expensive than others and that can certainly weigh in on my analysis
Beginner or speed cuber – Like I said earlier, I think it’s almost always the right idea to purchase the best cube available so you can grow and get better with the cube rather than having to buy another one later – make your own choice.
Stickers or not – Since
Best 2×2 Cube – Speed Cube Reviews
Whether you’re a speed cuber looking for the best 2×2 cube, or a beginner whose just finished with a 3×3 speed cube I’m here to help you find the best 2×2 cube for your needs. First we’ll break down what exactly makes a good 2×2 cube, and I’ll share several cubes that should cover the best 2×2 speed cube, the best budget 2×2, and more.
The best 2×2 cube is one that lets you solve the puzzle as fast as you physically can. So for a beginner, if the puzzle turns and has no errors that should be sufficient. However, as humans we learn quickly so you’ll be wanting a faster cube sooner than later. This is why I almost always recommend getting the best/fastest cube on the market at the time so you’re never limited by your cube.
When it comes to 2×2’s there’s not much popping or locking so all of the cubes are pretty similar except some minor differences in build quality, speed, feel, AND SIZE. Let’s go over the criteria when it comes to picking the best 2×2:
Build quality – This is pretty well dictated by price, you get what you pay for in most cases but I will highlight some 2×2 cubes that give you excellent performance for the value
Speed – This is going to be mainly preferential, there are insanely fast 2×2’s and also slower ones. I don’t think that speed is a limiting factor but more of a preference.
Popping – There’s no popping in 2×2’s that should worry you.
Feel – This is another important one, do you want smooth, clicky, sandy, or what? I’ll try to describe the options as best as I can.
Size – This is key when it comes to choosing the right 2×2. Depending on your hand/finger size you might want a larger or smaller 2×2. Since it’s basically the smallest cube option out there when looking at the 3×3 or 4×4 it actually matters and there are specific options to offer larger 2×2’s.
Price – You can never discount price, some cubes are plainly more expensive than others and that can certainly weigh in on my analysis
Beginner or speed cuber – Like I said earlier, I think it’s almost always the right idea to purchase the best cube available so you can grow and get better with the cube rather than having to buy another one later – make your own choice.
Stickers or not – Since
Best 2×2 Cube Reviews
DaYan 2×2 (4/5)
For a long time the DaYan 2×2 was the most popular option for the 2×2 crowd. In a poll on the speed cubing sub0reddit it was voted one of the most commonly owned cubes and that still holds true to this day. If you’ve ever used a DaYan 3×3 you know that they’re very smooth and solid cubes. Due to the design of the cube it has the best forward and reverse corner cutting out of all of the 2×2’s on thist list.
No popping
Fast and stable cube
Very popular 2×2 for competition speed cubing
Available in stickered or stickleress
Best corner cutting on the list
One of the quietest cubes
Get it in stickered or stickerless!
PuzzleDude’s rating (4 / 5) – considered the best 2×2 cube by a lot of speed cubers
The DaYan 2×2 is often referred to as the best option for speed cubing by many cubers. If you like a fast, smooth cube with great corner cutting then this is a great option for you. I believe that the DaYan can be the best 2×2 but it requires some breaking in, proper tensioning, and lubing. Some even go as far as replacing the springs and hardware with MoYu pieces but leaving the DaYan plastic parts.
MoYu Lingpo (4.5/5)
The MoYu Lingpo is my favorite 2×2 due to the clicky and fast feel it has. It’s comparable t the DaYan in quality but offers a different feel. Many people prefer the Lingpo over the DaYan because they love MoYu’s clicky and clacky feel. Depending on your style, the MoYu could be for you if you want a little bet less stable but faster cube. It’s also a lot louder than the DaYan.
Minimal catching
Fast and loose cube
Another really popular 2×2
Great corner cutting
Clicky feel
PuzzleDude’s rating (4.5 / 5) – great 2×2 option, fast and clicky
The Lingpo is ready out of the box which is why I gave it a better rating than the DaYan. I think that the DaYan has a bit more potential with modifications but comparing the products alone, the Lingpo pulls ahead.
ShengShou Aurora (3.5/5)
Here’s our budget option for the best 2×2 cube. ShengShou makes a reliable, fast turning, smooth, and quiet product but they’re not on the level of the DaYan or Lingpo 2×2 simply becaues of corner cutting, and catching issues. If you’re just getting into solving 2×2 cubes or you’re on a budget the ShengShou would work just fine for you.
Some catching
Fast, smooth cube
Solid construction and stickering
Very quiet
PuzzleDude’s rating (3.5 / 5) – best budget 2×2 cube!
Fangshi ShiShuang 55mm (4/5)
As discussed previously, size can play a very important role when selecting the right 2×2. The Fangshi ShiShuang is that solution – this 55mm cube is the saving grace for cubers wanting to compete in 2×2 with larger hands. I have a ton of friends who are into 2×2 and all of the larger hand cubers resort to this one no matter what. They’ve tried the DaYan, Lingpo, and more and they always resort to the Fangshi 55mm because of the size.
Good speed, awesome cutting
Great for larger hands
Requires some set up
PuzzleDude’s rating (4 / 5) – best 2×2 for big hands!
Type C WitTwo (4/5)
The WitTwo is one of the first 2×2’s to see consistent use in speed cubing competitions. This cube is still used by many cubers today who find its unique crunchy feeling and demonic speed very appealing. I’d recommend this cube for someone who knows they like crunchy cubes and can handle a fast 2×2.
Specific crunchy feeling
Very fast 2×2
Historically a very popular cube
Trusted by many top 2×2 solvers – almost impossible to pop
PuzzleDude’s rating (4 / 5)
I feel like this cube is almost on its own in terms of the feel .For me to recommend this cube to you, you’ll need a specific desire for a very crunchy cube that I know the WitTwo can satisfy.
Picking the best 2×2 for you
Now that we’ve gone over what to look for in a 2×2, and some of the more popular ones, let’s break it down a bit further.
DaYan 2×2 #ad – Great all around 2×2 that almost anyone will like. Smotoh and reliable
MoYu Lingpo #ad – Faster 2×2 with perfect cutting and a buttery Moyu feel
ShengShou 2×2 #ad – Best budget 2×2 cube around half the price of the rest
Fangshi ShiShuang 55mm #ad – Best 2×2 cube for big hands – loved by the big-handed cubers
Type C WitTwo #ad – Super crunchy 2×2 that some cubers swear by, I peersonally don’t like it.
Basically if you know your preferences you should be able to find a suitable 2×2. Overall I think the DaYan 2×2 is the best with the Lingpo being a close second. If budget is ever a concern, just go with the ShengShou.
Learn about the 2×2
So if you’re looking this page up, you’re either a beginner to 2×2’s, or a speed cuber looking for their next cube. In either case, I wanted to add this section to educate my readers on the history of the 2×2 and share some fun facts.
The 2x2x2 Rubik’s cube, known as the 2×2 or Pocket Cube was actually patented two years before the invention of the Rubik’s cube by a Canadian named Larry Nichols. The fact that the corners are fixed reduces the amount of permutations largely, giving only 3,674,160 possible positions.
Interestingly, the maximum number of turns required to solve the cube is 11 including half or quarter turns. Due to the number of solves being highly based on the scramble you get, the world record for the 2×2 is heavily dependent on the variance of the scramble.
Solving the 2×2 cube
If you understand how to solve a 3×3, solving a 2×2 should be like second nature. It uses the same idea of positioning the corners once you’ve finished the first layer. Most cubes come with basic instructions and you could get a solve done within moments of opening the package. Here are some of my favorite resources for 2×2 solving and algorithms.
If you need more than that to solve your cube, you might be doomed (just kidding). Try googling some other guides that fit your style, or checking our YouTube videos.
2×2 World Records
Since the number of moves to solve is very specific depending on the scramble, 2×2 World Records for individual are sort of fickle in the speed cubing community. In this category you definitely want to be looking at an average of 5 to determine a fair best 2×2 solver.
The world record was just broken this year by Maciej Czapiewski who solved it on under half a second (0.49 to be exact). The truly impressive average of 5 world record holder is Lucas Etter, he averaged 1.51 seconds in 2015.
Best 2×2 Cube Reviews Conclusion
Whether you’re a speed cuber, or a beginner – hopefully this guide has helped you pick the best 2×2 cube. Reading reviews, watching videos, and talking to other cubers is a great way to find out what cubes are good. Another great idea is to ask to try out other people’s cubes to get a feel for what you want in a 2×2 and other cubes.
Happy puzzling!
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